Position: Our client who are a global producer of speciality ingredients are currently looking to hire a new Senior NPD Manager to be based in their facilities in France. As a member of the New Product Development team, you will be responsible for the development of syrups, drizzles, emulsions and RTD formulations for non-alcoholic, coffee- based drinks and beverages, in accordance with briefing requirements through direct and active interaction with customers under the supervision of the Head of NPD France.

Main Responsibilities:

New Product Development

• Analyse customer briefings and assess their feasibility to ensure customer satisfaction and compliance with company guidelines.
• When applicable, propose formulation optimization to the customer (cost, technical, robustness).
• Perform sensory and product evaluations, test and fine-tune the formulations.
• Ensure timely completion and delivery of samples development according to the customer technical target specifications.
• Proactively design concepts and recipes for seasonal or innovative range.

Project Management

• Assume technical project lead and manage each project to ensure that the launch is achieved on time and in line with the objectives set by the client.
• Manage system data entries related to all product developments according to project briefings and internal standards.
• Support the sales team in achieving the material cost target.
• Manage effective internal/external communication.
• Coordinate project-related topics between all involved departments (development lab, sales, purchasing, regulatory, scale-up, production).
• Organize and supervise industrial tests in coordination with scale up teams.
• Ensure a "ready to use" product in the factory by the time of launch and ensuring further follow-up if necessary.

Product Portfolio Management

• Propose optimization of product portfolio in collaboration with Sales department / Key Account Managers.
• Revise and optimize existing formulas according to customer and price specifications.

Key Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years working experience in food ingredients development.
• BSc or higher in Food Science/Technology.
• Experience in B2B customer relationship and in the development of new products. Additional experience with beverage or coffee-based drinks is an additional asset.
• Strong sensory tasting abilities, combined with a strong technical knowledge of ingredients and food service applications.
• Basic knowledge of EU food law and food safety (HACCP).
• Currently based in France or willing to relocate.